6 Ways to Boost Your Dog’s Immune System
No one likes seeing their little furry friend ill, in distress, or in pain. As a dog parent, ensuring your dog’s overall health is a huge responsibility to give your dog the best life they deserve.
Just like humans, a well-functioning immune system is the foundation of good health in your dog. If your dog has a weakened immune system, it can leave them vulnerable to viral infections and may even result in severe diseases. So, if you’re wondering how to boost a dog’s immune system, here are 6 effective ways to help keep your dog happy and healthy.
A Healthy Diet
The best way to boost your dog’s immune system is through food. A healthy diet full of nutrients and antioxidants can significantly improve your dog’s immune system. The vitamins and minerals dogs get through their food help support their immune system and fight free radicals and prevent any potential illnesses.
Some of the best known antioxidant-rich food sources for your dog are:
- Red and black beans
- Small red berries, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
- Apples
- Cooked potatoes
- Cabbage
- Spinach
- Red bell paper
- Broccoli
- Barley grass
- Mushrooms
It is also a good idea to avoid feeding your dog over-processed commercial canned food. Homemade food will always be the best option for them. Some beneficial homemade dog food for the immune system include turkey and veggie dog food, beef stew, frozen yogurt, chicken jerky, beef balls, and peanut butter cookies.
And remember, there are some foods you must absolutely keep away from your dog such as chocolate, fruit pits, and grapes. If they consume such foods, you should know how to make your dog throw up to avoid further health issues.
Supplement Your Dog’s Diet
If you’re wondering which is the best immune system booster for dogs, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and E are some of the best supplements you can use which you could get from Perfect Poop food supplement. Probiotics contain good bacteria that can balance your dog’s digestive tract and kill off the bacteria that would otherwise attack and weaken the immune system.
Fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation and support skin, heart, joints, and the overall immune system. Vitamin E, known as a fat-soluble vitamin, can improve your dogs’ skin, muscles, heart, and eyes. And vitamin A protects your dog from free radicals and viruses. These supplementary vitamins and minerals can also work perfectly as senior dog immune booster.
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Physical & Mental Health
Like humans, dogs also get stressed sometimes, which can affect their physical as well as mental health. Depending on the age and breed of your dog, make sure he gets adequate exercise. Regular playtime and walks outside can be incredibly helpful in boosting your dog’s immunity as well as reducing stress.
You should also make sure to avoid any stressful situations for your dog like loud noises, traveling, and crowds. Constant stress releases cortisol, which can weaken your dog’s immunity.
Keeping Your Dog and His Things Clean
We all know the importance of good hygiene, but your dog doesn’t. Getting your dog to stop licking and sniffing things is nearly impossible. But what you can do is keep your environment as clean as you can.
Lack of hygiene exposes your dog to various bacteria and viruses. While some of these might be good for him, others are just too dangerous. Make sure that you groom your dog regularly, and keep his bowls and toys clean. But don’t overdo it, because constantly giving your dog a bath or excessively cleaning your dog’s toys or surroundings may weaken their immune system.
Ensure Good Hydration
Just like humans, a dog’s body comprises 70% water. This is why, along with knowing how to boost dog immune system with food and exercise, you should also be aware of the importance of providing your dog with fresh water.
Typically, dogs need 1 ounce of water for every 1 pound of their weight. For example, a large dog weighing 100 pounds will need to drink approximately 100 fluid ounces. How much water your dog will need also depends on the climate you live in. In a hot climate, even smaller dogs will need to drink more water.
Drinking adequate water will encourage the toxins to be flushed out of your dog’s body and improve his immunity. Remember to refill your dog’s water bowl every few hours with fresh water that you drink and keep these bowls washed and dry when not in use to avoid bacterial growth.
Take Your Dog Regularly to the Vet
Taking your dog for regular health check-ups is perhaps the best thing you can do to maintain your dog’s health and immunity. Don’t just put it off for when your dog is sick or injured.
Regularly scheduled vet visits will ensure that your dog receives a proper examination as well as help detect any health concerns early on. It will also allow you to stay updated on the vaccines and other medicines or supplements your dog may need.
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What Causes a Weak Immune System in Dogs?
Before we explore how to boost a dog’s immune system, it is important to understand what causes a weak immune system in your dog.
Unfortunately, there is no one reason for dogs’ immune systems to become vulnerable.
There are also several dog breeds that are prone to developing hereditary immunodeficiencies, such as German Shepherds, Beagles, Irish Setters, Basset Hounds, and Doberman Pinschers.
Some other common factors that can weaken your dog’s immune system include allergies, tumors, vaccine or medication, viral infections, hereditary immunodeficiency, and poor diet and sleep. While many of these factors are not in your control, you can still make sure that you take good care of your dog by ensuring a healthy lifestyle. Should you worry when your dog is throwing up? Check this article to see if you should worry when your dog is throwing up.
If you have recently purchased a puppy and are wondering how to boost a dog’s immune system, we hope this article has answered your question. Ensuring a healthy diet, nutrition, and regular exercise are some of the best ways to boost the immune system of your dog.
However, if your dog has any pre-existing health conditions, make sure you get your dog examined by a vet before you try any of the above tips.
